Published: November 04, 2009 11:13 am      

FEMA denies disaster declaration appeal

Governor to request Small Business Administration assistance

 The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified the Indiana Department of Homeland Security that the appeal for federal disaster assistance has been denied

The decision affects individual and public assistance grants to Hoosiers in Southern and Central Indiana — including Clark and Floyd counties — who experienced damage from severe weather Aug. 4-9.

In response to the denial, Gov. Mitch Daniels will submit a request for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, a press release from the state’s Homeland Security department says.

Federal assistance was first requested Sept. 9 following damage that occurred in the Southern and Central parts of the state from a tornado, severe straight-line winds, torrential rains and flooding that swept through the counties beginning Aug. 4.

Up to 10 inches of rain fell over a 23-hour period in some locations, quickly leading to severe flooding. On Sept. 24, FEMA rejected that request. On Oct. 2, a letter was sent to FEMA appealing the decision.

Individual assistance was requested for Brown, Clark, Floyd, Franklin, Jackson, Jennings, Marion, Ripley and Rush counties. Decatur County was added to the appeal. Individual assistance can include grants for housing, possessions, vehicles, counseling, unemployment and U.S. Small Business Administration loans.

Public assistance was requested for Brown, Decatur, Floyd, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Owen, Parke, Ripley and Switzerland counties. Public assistance means state government and local governments and certain non-profit organizations in these counties would be eligible to apply for federal assistance to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and electrical cooperatives.

Read more in Thursday’s editions and check back to the Web site for updates.